A TEENAGER once nicknamed the "Pied Piper of Darwen" because he led other youngsters astray was described in court as a reformed character.

Lee Taylor appeared before Blackburn magist-rates for breach of an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) but Roger Pickles, defending, described the breach as a technical offence.

"It is a great shame because he has been doing very well," said Mr Pickles. "His last prison sentence seems to have served its purpose and he appears to have learned his lesson."

Taylor, 19, of Hacking Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to breach of the ASBO. He was made subject to a community supervision order for 18 months.

Claire Fanning, prosec-uting, said the ASBO was imposed in September 2004 for two years and one of the conditions prohibited Taylor from associating with a number of named individuals.

On January 5 a police officer stopped to speak to four youths in Darwen town centre at 1.40am. One of the youngsters was Taylor and two were individuals he was prohibited from associat-ing with.

Mr Pickles said Taylor was adamant he was on his way home on his own when he bumped into the others.